Sleuthing Rizal

Monday, September 14, 2009

U.P. Oblation

No symbol is more closely identified with the University of the Philippines than the statue of the Oblation. The naked figure of a young man in a symbolic gesture of sacrificial offering of service to country and humanity has become a landmark in every campus of the University. For the hundreds of thousands of UP Alumni, the Oblation has become their major symbolic link with Alma Mater. The Oblation is also the major rallying point for all kinds of dissent, protest actions, and social criticism, as well as expressions of public service, nationalism, and patriotism. For the autonomous units and all the campuses of the University of the Philippines, the Oblation is the enduring symbol of their unity in mission, vision and traditions. The Oblation, a masterpiece of Filipino sculptor Guillermo E. Tolentino, was commissioned in 1935 by President Rafael Palma, first Filipino president of the University. His order was for professor Tolentino to translate the second stanza of Rizal's "Last Farewell" into a monument which would be the identifying landmark of the University.

*English*In barricades imbattled; fighting with delirium, others donate you their lives without doubts, without gloom, The site doesn't matter; cypress, laurel or lily; gibbet or open field, combat or cruel martyrdom, are equal if demanded by country and home.- /Translated by Nick Joaquin/ -

Inscriptions at the Base

The integral relation among the symbolism of the Oblation, the meaning of National Heroes Day, and the mission and vision of the University of the Philippines is best expressed by the words of Andres Bonifacio and Dr. Jose Rizal, which are inscribed at the base of the bronze Oblation.Here are the inscriptions: *FRONT:*Nasaan ang kabataang mag-aalayng kanilang kasibulang buhay,ng kanilang adhikain at sigasigsa kabutihan ng bansa?Nasaan ang siyang puspusangmagbubuhos ng dugo upang hugasang lariat ang ating kahihiyan,ang ating mga kalapastanganan,ang ating kabalintuan?Tanging yaong dalisay at walang bahidang karapatdapat na naging alay upangmatanggap ang kasalantaang ito.

Donde esta la juventud que ha de consagrar sus rosadas horas, susilusiones y entusiasmo al bien de su patria? Donde esta la que ha de verter su sangre para lavar tantasverguenzas, tantos crimenes, tanta abominacion? Pura y sin maneha ha de ser la victima parer que elholacausto sea aceptable!(Translation)Where are the youth who will consecrate their golden hours, their illusions and their enthusiasm to the welfare of their native land? Where are the youth who will generously pour out their blood to wash away so much shame, so much crime, so much abomination? Pure and spotless must the victim be that the sacrifice may be acceptable, Where are you, Oh youth, who will embody in yourselves the vigor of life that has left our veins, the purity of ideas that has contaminated in our brains,the fire of enthusiasn that has been quenched in our hearts? We await, Oh youth, come, for we await you!- Dr. Jose P. Rizal